Panicum 'Prairie Fire'

Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire': Blazing Colour with Prairie Poise

True to its name, Panicum 'Prairie Fire' ignites the garden with brilliant red tones that intensify through the season. This compact, upright switch grass emerges with blue-green blades that gradually take on deep burgundy hues by midsummer, culminating in a fiery scarlet display come fall. Delicate reddish flower panicles rise just above the foliage in late summer, adding a fine-textured veil and soft movement. Compact, colourful, and full of native charm, this grass adds a bright spark to borders and meadow-style plantings alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Reddish-pink maturing to tan
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Blue-green turning vivid burgundy to scarlet in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained to moderately moist soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Prairie Fire' is perfect for adding colour, movement, and vertical lift to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and native-inspired plantings. Its manageable size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its intense fall colour offers a long-lasting show. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and easy to grow, it pairs beautifully with late-season perennials and provides structure into winter.

Companion Plants: Pair Panicum 'Prairie Fire' with Aster 'Wood's Pink' for a burst of soft, rosy blooms that echo the grass’s blush tones. Add Achillea 'Little Moonshine' for long-lasting lemon-yellow flowers that brighten the composition. Include Liatris spicata 'Kobold' for vertical purple spires and pollinator appeal, contrasting the grass’s fiery hues with late-season energy.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; once mature, this grass is drought tolerant and thrives in tough conditions. Leave plumes and foliage standing for winter interest, and cut back in early spring before new growth appears. Divide every few years to maintain vigour.

History: A modern cultivar of the North American native Panicum virgatum, 'Prairie Fire' was selected for its bold red foliage, compact habit, and reliable garden performance. It continues to gain popularity as a vivid accent in naturalistic and formal settings.

Final Thoughts: Colourful, compact, and full of prairie character, Panicum 'Prairie Fire' delivers a dramatic seasonal show—blending native resilience with ornamental brilliance from summer into snow.